1 Chronicles 6:73

KJV

And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ramoth {H7216} with her suburbs {H4054}, and Anem {H6046} with her suburbs {H4054}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Ramot with the surrounding open land and 'Anem with the surrounding open land;

Berean Standard Bible

Ramoth, and Anem, together with their pasturelands.

American Standard Version

and Ramoth with its suburbs, and Anem with its suburbs;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 6:73 meticulously records the allocation of two cities, Ramoth and Anem, along with their surrounding pasturelands ("suburbs"), to the Merarite branch of the Levites from the territory of the tribe of Issachar. This verse is part of a larger administrative and genealogical section detailing God's precise provision for the priestly tribe, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement throughout Israel to fulfill their sacred duties of teaching, judging, and ministering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Chronicles chapter 6, a chapter primarily dedicated to the genealogies, roles, and dwelling places of the Levites. Following an extensive lineage of Aaron and the high priests (verses 1-53), the text shifts to the distribution of cities assigned to the three main Levitical families: the Kohathites (verses 54-60), the Gershonites (verses 61-71), and the Merarites (verses 72-81). Verse 73 specifically lists two cities given to the Merarites from the land of Issachar, immediately after other Merarite cities from Zebulun (v. 77) and before those from Asher (v. 74) and Naphtali (v. 75). This detailed cataloging mirrors the distribution accounts found in [Joshua 21](/joshua/21 "Joshua 21 - The Levitical Cities"), confirming the fulfillment of God's commands regarding the Levites' settlement. The Chronicler's emphasis on this administrative detail underscores the divine order and the faithful execution of God's covenant promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the Levites, unlike the other tribes of Israel, did not receive a territorial land inheritance (see [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Instead, God commanded that specific cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands (the "suburbs" or `migrash`), be designated for their habitation. This arrangement, detailed in [Numbers 35:1-8](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites"), ensured that the Levites, whose primary role was religious service, teaching the Law, and administration of justice, would be sustained. The cities were strategically scattered throughout all the tribal territories, allowing the Levites to serve as spiritual and judicial guides across the entire nation. Ramoth and Anem, though perhaps not major cities, represent vital outposts of Levitical presence within the tribe of Issachar, fulfilling this divine mandate for widespread spiritual influence.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of cities in 1 Chronicles 6, including Ramoth and Anem, highlights several key themes. Firstly, it showcases **Divine Order and Provision**, demonstrating God's precise and comprehensive plan for His people, particularly in providing for those dedicated to His service. The fact that the Levites had no land inheritance but were divinely provided for underscores God's faithfulness to His promises (cf. [Deuteronomy 10:9](/deuteronomy/10-9 "Deuteronomy 10:9 - The Levites' Portion")). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Fulfillment of Covenant**, as the distribution of these cities directly corresponds to the commands given through Moses and executed under Joshua (e.g., [Joshua 21:41-42](/joshua/21-41 "Joshua 21:41-42 - Fulfillment of Levitical City Distribution")). This reinforces God's unwavering commitment to His word. Lastly, it illuminates the **Strategic Role of the Levites** in Israelite society. By scattering them among all the tribes, God ensured that spiritual instruction, the administration of justice, and the knowledge of His Law were accessible throughout the land, fulfilling their mandate to "teach Jacob your rules and Israel your law" ([Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Levites' Teaching Role")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suburbs (Hebrew, _migrash'_):** This term is crucial for understanding the nature of the Levitical cities. Unlike the modern understanding of "suburbs" as residential areas outside a city, `migrash` refers to the open land, common pasture, or designated grazing areas immediately surrounding the walled city. [Numbers 35:2-5](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-5 - Description of Migrash") specifies that these lands extended 1,000 cubits (approximately 1,500 feet) from the city wall in every direction, providing space for the Levites' livestock and for general communal use. This provision was essential for their livelihood, as their primary role was not agriculture but religious and administrative service to the nation. The inclusion of `migrash` with each city underscores God's holistic provision for the Levites' sustenance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ramoth with her suburbs":** This clause identifies the first of two cities allocated to the Merarite Levites from the territory of Issachar. "Ramoth" (meaning "heights" or "elevations") was a specific geographical location, and the phrase "with her suburbs" (`migrash`) emphasizes that the surrounding pasturelands were an integral part of the grant, vital for the Levites' economic support and daily life. This highlights the practical and comprehensive nature of God's provision.
* **"and Anem with her suburbs":** Similarly, this clause names the second city, Anem (also known as En-Gannim, meaning "spring of gardens"), which was also situated within Issachar's territory. The repetition of "with her suburbs" reinforces the consistent pattern of Levitical city allocation, where the surrounding common lands were always included. This reiteration serves to underscore the thoroughness of the divine command and its execution, ensuring that the Levites were fully equipped to perform their duties without being burdened by the need to cultivate land for sustenance.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in this verse and the broader section of Levitical city lists. **Cataloging** or **Listing** is the most prominent device, as the text systematically enumerates the cities assigned to each Levitical family. This meticulous detailing reflects the Chronicler's concern for historical accuracy and the fulfillment of divine commands. The **Repetition** of the phrase "with her suburbs" for each city emphasizes the consistent and comprehensive nature of the provision for the Levites, highlighting that the pasturelands were as crucial as the cities themselves. Furthermore, the sheer **Precision** and **Detail** in these lists, even for seemingly minor cities like Ramoth and Anem, serve to underscore God's orderly character and His meticulous attention to every aspect of His covenant relationship with Israel, from grand theological truths to practical administrative arrangements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly dry list of cities in 1 Chronicles 6:73 is pregnant with theological significance. It speaks volumes about God's character as a God of order, provision, and faithfulness. The meticulous distribution of cities for the Levites, who had no tribal land inheritance, demonstrates God's commitment to sustaining those set apart for His service. This divine blueprint ensured that the spiritual heart of the nation—the Levites, responsible for teaching the Law and maintaining the Tabernacle/Temple—was strategically placed and adequately supported. It underscores the principle that those who dedicate their lives to God's work are not left to fend for themselves but are under His direct care and provision, often mediated through the community of faith. This pattern of divine provision for ministry is a recurring theme throughout biblical history.

* [Numbers 35:7](/numbers/35-7 "Total Levitical Cities")
* [Joshua 21:41-42](/joshua/21-41 "Summary of Levitical Cities")
* [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Levites' Teaching Role")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 6:73, though a detailed administrative record, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and intentionality, caring even for the logistical details of His kingdom. Just as He meticulously provided for the Levites, He also cares for the practical needs of those who serve Him today, whether in full-time ministry or through their vocations in the world. This verse challenges us to consider our role in supporting spiritual leadership and the work of the church. Furthermore, the strategic placement of the Levites throughout Israel, even in smaller towns like Ramoth and Anem, highlights the importance of being a spiritual influence in every sphere of life and every community, no matter how seemingly insignificant. We are called to be salt and light wherever God has placed us, embodying His truth and justice in our daily interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous provision for the Levites in this verse encourage your trust in His provision for your own life and calling?**
* **In what ways can you, or your community, better support those who are dedicated to spiritual service and teaching today?**
* **Where has God strategically placed you, and how can you be a "Levite" (a spiritual influence) in your current sphere of life, even if it seems like a "small" place?**

### FAQ

**Why are these specific cities, Ramoth and Anem, listed in such detail?**

Answer: These cities are listed in detail because they represent a precise fulfillment of God's command regarding the distribution of Levitical cities. Since the Levites did not receive a tribal land inheritance like the other tribes, God commanded that 48 cities, along with their surrounding pasturelands, be given to them from the territories of the other tribes (as detailed in [Numbers 35](/numbers/35 "Numbers 35 - Cities for the Levites")). The Chronicler, in 1 Chronicles 6, meticulously records this distribution to emphasize God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and to underscore the divine order established for the nation. Ramoth and Anem, specifically, were part of the portion allocated to the Merarite branch of the Levites from the tribe of Issachar, ensuring that spiritual instruction and oversight were available even in these particular locations.

**What is the significance of the term "suburbs" in this context?**

Answer: The term "suburbs" (Hebrew: `migrash`) in this biblical context does not refer to residential areas outside a city as it does in modern English. Instead, it denotes the common pastureland or open ground surrounding the Levitical cities. [Numbers 35:3-5](/numbers/35-3 "Numbers 35:3-5 - Description of Migrash") specifies that this `migrash` extended 1,000 cubits from the city wall in every direction, providing essential grazing land for the Levites' livestock. This was crucial for their sustenance, as their primary role was not agriculture but rather serving in the Tabernacle/Temple, teaching the Law, and judging disputes. The inclusion of the "suburbs" with each city highlights God's comprehensive and practical provision for the Levites, ensuring their livelihood while they focused on their sacred duties.

**What can we learn from the scattering of the Levites among all the tribes?**

Answer: The scattering of the Levites among all the tribes, rather than concentrating them in one region, was a deliberate divine strategy. It ensured that spiritual instruction, knowledge of God's Law, and the administration of justice were accessible throughout the entire nation of Israel. The Levites were to be the spiritual educators and moral compass for the people, and their widespread distribution meant that every tribe had direct access to those who could teach them God's ways (see [Deuteronomy 33:10](/deuteronomy/33-10 "Deuteronomy 33:10 - The Levites' Teaching Role")). This arrangement underscores God's desire for His truth to permeate all aspects of society and for His people to be continually discipled. It serves as a powerful reminder that God often places His people strategically in various communities and vocations to be a light and influence for His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous provision for the Levites in 1 Chronicles 6:73, ensuring their sustenance and strategic placement, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levitical system, with its priesthood and temple service, was a shadow pointing to the reality of Christ. Just as the Levites were set apart for sacred service and were sustained by God's provision through the offerings of the people, so too is Christ the ultimate [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who perfectly fulfills all priestly functions, offering Himself as the [once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All"). Furthermore, the scattering of the Levites throughout Israel to teach God's Law foreshadows the mission of the New Testament church, which, empowered by the [Holy Spirit](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit"), is scattered throughout the world to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of all nations, fulfilling the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). Christ himself is the true "city of refuge" and the ultimate source of provision for His people, the church, which is built upon Him as the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone"). Through Him, we are all made priests in a spiritual sense, called to offer up spiritual sacrifices and to be a light in every "suburb" of the world, reflecting the divine order and provision that originated with God's plan for His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.